How to Toast Hamburger and Hot Dog Buns

Labor Day, the last hurrah for warm weather gatherings and sunny cookouts, is right around the corner. Planning to serve hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, maybe even a crab roll or two? Than you better plan on toasting those buns. Who wants to grab a squishy piece of bread straight from the bag when you can snuggle your dog in a nice, toasty bun?

Bake Them

If you already have something baking in the oven—or if your grill is on the smaller side and you want to devote it to the main meaty attraction—then turn to the oven for easy toasted flavor. Gently toast in a 350°F oven until buns are warmed through and lightly crispy, about 5 minutes. To keep the buns from getting too crunchy or hard after toasting, place them in a nice basket with a towel over them or wrap them in tinfoil; you can toast 30 minutes to an hour ahead of time.

In a Pan

Only need a few buns? (Maybe for our brown butter crab rolls or hot dogs for two?) Then skip turning on the oven or firing up the grill and simply toast the buns in a sauté pan over medium low heat. Add even more flavor and spread 2 Tbsp. butter on the cut sides of the bun first, then toast the bun, cut side down, until golden brown, creating a buttery, toasted basket for your dog.